The BENTELER Group, a paragon of engineering prowess, has secured pivotal approvals for an epochal partnership with TASARU Mobility Investments. This collaboration heralds a significant infusion of capital into HOLON, BENTELER's avant-garde subsidiary dedicated to autonomous mobility solutions. The European Union Competition Directorate and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection have both sanctioned TASARU’s substantial investment, a testament to the project's alignment with stringent regulatory standards and forward-thinking economic strategies.
The capital influx from TASARU, an investment leviathan from Saudi Arabia, will be judiciously allocated to expedite the series development and industrialization of HOLON's autonomous mover. Envisaged to be at the vanguard of autonomous vehicle technology, HOLON plans to establish three strategic production sites across the globe, in the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, ensuring a robust market penetration and operational synergy.
Ralf Göttel, the sagacious CEO of the BENTELER Group, articulated his enthusiasm for the partnership, underscoring the shared vision of both entities. We very much welcome the official approvals of the partnership between BENTELER and TASARU. Together we will continue to drive forward the successful development of HOLON. The first prototypes of our mover are expected to be available this year; the first vehicles are scheduled to be in use in pilot projects in 2025. We are convinced that inclusive, emission-free and sustainable passenger transportation is the answer to traffic problems in our cities, climate change and demographic developments.
The HOLON mover, a paragon of modern engineering, is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle meticulously crafted for public roadways. Its design ethos, conceived by the illustrious Pininfarina, epitomizes aesthetic excellence and functional innovation. The vehicle boasts an array of features, including an automated ramp, secured wheelchair space, and comprehensive auditory and visual assistance, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all passengers.
Incorporating cutting-edge autonomous driving technology from Intel's subsidiary Mobileye, the HOLON mover aspires to set new benchmarks in safety, ride comfort, and production quality. With a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour and a capacity to accommodate up to 15 passengers, the vehicle is poised to revolutionize urban transportation paradigms. Potential applications encompass on-demand services such as ridepooling and ridehailing, as well as scheduled services, catering to a diverse array of mobility needs.
Michael Müller, the CEO of TASARU Mobility Investments, echoed the sentiment of progressive innovation, stating, TASARU is committed to a smart and sustainable future. HOLON fits into our portfolio and supports the ambitious goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is increasingly developing into a hub for innovation and autonomous mobility.
HOLON’s autonomous mover is not merely a testament to technological prowess but also a manifestation of sustainable development. The vehicle's zero-emission footprint aligns with global imperatives to combat climate change and enhance urban air quality. Moreover, the strategic collaboration with TASARU underscores a commitment to fostering economic growth and technological advancement in Saudi Arabia, resonating with the overarching objectives of Vision 2030.
As HOLON prepares to debut its prototypes, the automotive industry keenly anticipates the transformative impact of these autonomous movers. The synthesis of BENTELER's engineering acumen, Pininfarina's design excellence, and Mobileye's autonomous technology heralds a new epoch in sustainable urban mobility, promising a future where transportation is both environmentally benign and technologically sublime.